Amongst those receiving their awards was 78 year old Pat Mulligan, a dinnertime supervisor at Bracken Edge Primary School, who has clocked up an amazing 34 years working at schools in Leeds.

Julie Harkness, head teacher at Bracken Edge Primary School said: “Pat has been at Bracken Edge for over 20 years but Mrs Mulligan didn’t even begin working here until she was sixty and has 34 years of experience working in schools in Leeds! She has a heart the size of the school itself, combined with patience that any saint would be hard pressed to match. She is also THE listening ear and potentially damp shoulder for anyone to offload their worries into or weep upon. In short, she is the perfect combination of caring but no-nonsense Grandma that everyone should have watching over them and out for them at all times. We value and love her enormously.”

Councillor Judith Blake, executive board member responsible for children’s services said: “These talented and hard-working colleagues have made, and continue to make, a real difference to the children and young people of Leeds. It is always fantastic to meet such dedicated people and a pleasure to present them with these well-deserved awards. We are well on our way to becoming a child friendly city and simply could not do this without such exceptional people.”